July 18-25 WDW trip

[Steve_S]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, in fact this is my first post.

I'm hoping that I can learn a little bit from you folks since this will be my family's first trip to Orlando. We're flying from PA into Sanford the 18th of this month. I believe I've got all the preliminary things done. We don't get the opportunity to travel often because my job is very demanding and I want to make this trip as special as possible for my wife and 2 kids (ages 2 & 7).

A couple questions. First I've purchased 3 day park hoppers for the WDW attractions and 1 day passes for Sea World. I've heard that there are actually some strategies for what days of the week are best for WDW. Is this true? Second, is there a specific way that we should work our way through the parks that would allow us to get the most of our experience (e.g. back to front, etc.)?

Finally, I've been watching the weather closely and it seems to me that Dennis should be well out of the area by the time we arrive and I don't see anything in the future that should concern us. Would anyone be able to confirm or deny that?

And lasty, please feel free to educate me in any way about obvious things that I may not be aware of while down there. We're definitely newbies with this so I appreciate and thank you in advance for any help your willing to provide.

Steve_S

 

[scanne]

Welcome to the DIS!

There are methods to the madness for making a visit to WDW magical. First, go to www.disneyworld.com and find out when the Extra Magic Hours are for each of the 4 theme parks. These extra hours are for Disney resort guests and the parks will be crowded. I suggest avoiding the parks on the days that have EMH.

Are you staying at a Disney resort? Will you have a rental car? If you're a Disney resort guest parking is free at all the theme parks, so in some cases in might be faster for you to drive to a park instead of taking Disney transportation - but I don't think this is true for the Magic Kingdom.

Did you make any dining arrangements? If you are hoping to eat at some of Disney's sit-down restaurants, you need to make Advanced Dining Reservations. Sometimes you can get a reservation the day of, but not easily. Go to the restaurants board for more info.

Also, check out www.wdwig.com for menus, planning strategies and lots of other great info! Hope this helps a little!

Have a magical time.

 

[AJKMOM]

Be prepared for the hot, humid weather, it takes a toll on everyone. Educate yourself about things like Fast Pass, and use it! It will save you a lot of time in line. Plan ahead of time what attractions you want to see and which you want to avoid (mainly because of height requirements of a 2 year-old). I always get a guidebook, even though I have been 12 times. You will know ahead of time which things are for your family.

I agree with the idea to skip the park that is having the Extra Magic Hours, it will be the most crowded during the day.

 

[SDFgirl]

My biggest tip would be to subscribe to www.tourguidemike.com.

He tells you the best days for each park (and the reasons), park touring strategies, best spots for fireworks, etc.

I used him for my trip in May and my fiance was a bit skeptical of TourGuideMike...but by the end of the trip, when I'd pull another TGM tip out of my hat to save us time, or to get the best view of something, or to avoid crowds, he was a convert!

The website is just a *tad* busy, so you'll have to really concentrate to learn how to use the website. There is a lot of reading to do too. But, with a little effort, it's a terrific tool. I think it's $21 to subscribe, but if you google "tourguide mike discount" you may find a code to get $2 or $3 off.

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Steve_S]

Welcome to the DIS!

find out when the Extra Magic Hours are for each of the 4 theme parks. These extra hours are for Disney resort guests and the parks will be crowded. I suggest avoiding the parks on the days that have EMH.

Are you staying at a Disney resort? Will you have a rental car?

Did you make any dining arrangements?

We're staying at the Radisson Comfort Suites Universal. I'm pretty sure it's not a Disney Resort. But they provide all day shuttle service to and from the parks. I expect we'll eat at there most of the time except for maybe a night or two out.

We will have a rental car waiting for us when we arrive, which I'm hoping we won't have to use too much except for the grocery store when we arrive becuse we're trying to pack as lightly as possible and we'll need some stuff for our daughter (the 2 year old).

Thank you very much for your response, very informative. I've already printed off the park calenders after I read your post. Good stuff!

 

[Steve_S]

Be prepared for the hot, humid weather, it takes a toll on everyone. Educate yourself about things like Fast Pass, and use it! It will save you a lot of time in line. Plan ahead of time what attractions you want to see and which you want to avoid (mainly because of height requirements of a 2 year-old). I always get a guidebook, even though I have been 12 times. You will know ahead of time which things are for your family.

I agree with the idea to skip the park that is having the Extra Magic Hours, it will be the most crowded during the day.

The hot weather is a concern, but we couldn't do the trip any other time, unfortunately. Where can I find out info on Fast Pass? And would I be able to get the guidebook from AAA? Since we're really doing this for the kids, I don't expect we'll be riding many of the "big" rides, just the stuff they'd like.

 

[lovethattink]

The hot weather is a concern, but we couldn't do the trip any other time, unfortunately. Where can I find out info on Fast Pass? And would I be able to get the guidebook from AAA? Since we're really doing this for the kids, I don't expect we'll be riding many of the "big" rides, just the stuff they'd like.

WDW doesn't have many "big" rides. Most of the attractions are designed to be enjoyed by the entire family.

You admission tickets become your pass to get a fast pass. Just locate a fast pass machine at the attraction. Put your pass into the slot and a fast pass will spit out. There are a limited number of fast passes/ attraction / day. Generally speaking, once the time on your fast pass has expired, then you may get another fast pass.

Be sure to pay attention to the shuttle driver. Be sure you know where they will pick you up after your day at the park. There are so many buses, shuttles and taxis, and you'll want to be sure you know exactly where yours will be.

 

[87Disneyfan]

We just got back yesterday...
Our strategy was to go to the park that had EMH the night before. For example, if MK has EMH night on Monday-we went to MK at opening on Tuesday. This worked really well for us.

Go early in the morning-right at opening. We were able to go on many rides with no wait.

It is going to be hot! Bring frozen water bottles with you and get hand held fans before you go.(we got ours at Walgreens)

Use fastpass! For example, get FP for Buzzlightyear(your time to come back could be an hour or 2). Go on TTA, eat a snack-then walk on Buzz when it is time!

Go back to your hotel and rest in the afternoon. It gets HOT! A little rest does everyone good!

Make some Preferred Seating reservations for lunch or dinner. We usually did 1 PS a day.

Don't miss Wishes, the fireworks at the MK-it is FABULOUS!!! On Tuesday night, we watched the Spectromagic parade at 9:00(I waited on the curb right in front of the castle at about 7:30-DH took DD on a few rides while I saved our spots). Then we watched Wishes at 10 from the same spot. It was the perfect way for us to end our trip!

Oh! When you get to the MK at opening-head to straight back to Fantasyland and do all the rides there-your kids will love them.

Have a magical time!

 

[Steve_S]

WDW doesn't have many "big" rides. Most of the attractions are designed to be enjoyed by the entire family.

You admission tickets become your pass to get a fast pass. Just locate a fast pass machine at the attraction. Put your pass into the slot and a fast pass will spit out. There are a limited number of fast passes/ attraction / day. Generally speaking, once the time on your fast pass has expired, then you may get another fast pass.

Be sure to pay attention to the shuttle driver. Be sure you know where they will pick you up after your day at the park. There are so many buses, shuttles and taxis, and you'll want to be sure you know exactly where yours will be.

Super, thanks. I see how the fast pass can be tricky, but valuable. My wife is calling the Comfort Suites today to find out how the whole shuttle service thing works.

 

[Steve_S]

We just got back yesterday...
Our strategy was to go to the park that had EMH the night before. For example, if MK has EMH night on Monday-we went to MK at opening on Tuesday. This worked really well for us.

Go early in the morning-right at opening. We were able to go on many rides with no wait.

It is going to be hot! Bring frozen water bottles with you and get hand held fans before you go.(we got ours at Walgreens)

Use fastpass! For example, get FP for Buzzlightyear(your time to come back could be an hour or 2). Go on TTA, eat a snack-then walk on Buzz when it is time!

Go back to your hotel and rest in the afternoon. It gets HOT! A little rest does everyone good!

Make some Preferred Seating reservations for lunch or dinner. We usually did 1 PS a day.

Don't miss Wishes, the fireworks at the MK-it is FABULOUS!!! On Tuesday night, we watched the Spectromagic parade at 9:00(I waited on the curb right in front of the castle at about 7:30-DH took DD on a few rides while I saved our spots). Then we watched Wishes at 10 from the same spot. It was the perfect way for us to end our trip!

Oh! When you get to the MK at opening-head to straight back to Fantasyland and do all the rides there-your kids will love them.

Have a magical time!

Actually, we do plan on taking the afternoons off. Our daughter will need a nap anyway, especially if she's going to make it until the parade/fireworks. Although fireworks scare her. I read on allearsnet that ear muffs work well for that sort of thing so she's not so scared. We'll be getting some. We got a small cooler to take into the park for frozen bottles as well. Glad to hear you guys had a great vacation. I hope ours is just as good.

I assume there is a daily schedule of events you can get at the gate or soemthing, correct?

 

[lovethattink]

We just got back yesterday...
Our strategy was to go to the park that had EMH the night before. For example, if MK has EMH night on Monday-we went to MK at opening on Tuesday. This worked really well for us.

Go early in the morning-right at opening. We were able to go on many rides with no wait.

It is going to be hot! Bring frozen water bottles with you and get hand held fans before you go.(we got ours at Walgreens)

Use fastpass! For example, get FP for Buzzlightyear(your time to come back could be an hour or 2). Go on TTA, eat a snack-then walk on Buzz when it is time!

Go back to your hotel and rest in the afternoon. It gets HOT! A little rest does everyone good!

Make some Preferred Seating reservations for lunch or dinner. We usually did 1 PS a day.

Don't miss Wishes, the fireworks at the MK-it is FABULOUS!!! On Tuesday night, we watched the Spectromagic parade at 9:00(I waited on the curb right in front of the castle at about 7:30-DH took DD on a few rides while I saved our spots). Then we watched Wishes at 10 from the same spot. It was the perfect way for us to end our trip!

Oh! When you get to the MK at opening-head to straight back to Fantasyland and do all the rides there-your kids will love them.

Have a magical time!

Staying in the Universal area, it might not be very convenient for you to go back to your room for a rest, then head back to WDW. I-4 can get very congested during rush hours. Your 20 minute drive from Universal can turn into an hour drive.

Be sure to duck into the airconditioned shops and restaurants for a break. Yesterday it was 93 degrees here, but they said with the heat index it felt like over 100.

Our favorite place to watch the afternoon parade at MK is in front of the icecream shop across the street from Casey's Corner. This side of the street is shaded. Our favorite spot to watch wishes is in front of 1st aid area. There is a bench with unobstructed view. Turn the bench around so it faces the castle. Then you have a seat to watch Wishes.

Yes fantasyland is awesome 1st thing in the am. By 10-10:30 the lines begin to get long there.

Ejoy your trip! We'll be at POR June 21-24

 

[Steve_S]

Staying in the Universal area, it might not be very convenient for you to go back to your room for a rest, then head back to WDW. I-4 can get very congested during rush hours. Your 20 minute drive from Universal can turn into an hour drive.

Be sure to duck into the airconditioned shops and restaurants for a break. Yesterday it was 93 degrees here, but they said with the heat index it felt like over 100.

Our favorite place to watch the afternoon parade at MK is in front of the icecream shop across the street from Casey's Corner. This side of the street is shaded. Our favorite spot to watch wishes is in front of 1st aid area. There is a bench with unobstructed view. Turn the bench around so it faces the castle. Then you have a seat to watch Wishes.

Yes fantasyland is awesome 1st thing in the am. By 10-10:30 the lines begin to get long there.

Ejoy your trip! We'll be at POR June 21-24

What we've been thinking about is doing the early morning thing until around 1pm, then going back, crashing for a couple hours then letting the kids play in the pool for a few hours until evening when we'll head back. If we don't get to see EVERYTHING, I won't be upset. Just making sure the kids get the most of the experience without stressing them and us out too much is the key I would think. Heck, just seeing all the sights will be brain overload for them from what I can tell. I don't think they have any idea what they're in for. I'm anxious to see their faces when we first get there. I'll be sure to have the camera aimed in that direction to catch it, I know that. We live very close to Hersheypark, and honestly, that is OK, but Disney is on an entirely different level all together.

 

[lovethattink]

We live very close to Hersheypark, and honestly, that is OK, but Disney is on an entirely different level all together.

How funny, we are leaving tomorrow morning for our vacation. We're driving 1st to Cleveland, Oh, then to Lebanon, Pa. We will be at Knoebels grove on the 14th, then Hershey Park on the weekend. Tuesday we head back south. We're stopping for a 3 night stay at POR on the way home.

 

[Steve_S]

How funny, we are leaving tomorrow morning for our vacation. We're driving 1st to Cleveland, Oh, then to Lebanon, Pa. We will be at Knoebels grove on the 14th, then Hershey Park on the weekend. Tuesday we head back south. We're stopping for a 3 night stay at POR on the way home.

Hershey has great rides, that it does. And if you like chocolate, you'll be in heaven. I think next year or the following they are adding a full scale water park as well. They purchased part if not all of the golf course adjecent to the northeast side of the park. At least this is what I've been told.

Knobles on the other hand is great in my opinion. First of all, it's cheap. Second, it's much more relaxing. We have a camp not far from it and what a great day trip it makes.

I'm curious, and this is a stupid question, but what is POR? I'm trying to think of every destination I can and simply can't figure it out.

 

[silverangel879]

Steve_S,

Watch the weather since there is a hurricane near the area. Have a good trip!

 

[lovethattink]

Hershey has great rides, that it does. And if you like chocolate, you'll be in heaven. I think next year or the following they are adding a full scale water park as well. They purchased part if not all of the golf course adjecent to the northeast side of the park. At least this is what I've been told.

Knobles on the other hand is great in my opinion. First of all, it's cheap. Second, it's much more relaxing. We have a camp not far from it and what a great day trip it makes.

I'm curious, and this is a stupid question, but what is POR? I'm trying to think of every destination I can and simply can't figure it out.

POR is Port Orleans Riverside. It is one of Disney's moderate resorts. We just love it there. It's our favorite Disney resort. Since we live in Central Florida, we'll just stay at POR most of the time. There is so much to do there. After we check out on Sunday the 24th, we'll head to a park for a few hours. My son loves their waterslide.

We're driving to Ohio and Pa. I don't look forward to the drive. Since we're traveling with a 1 year old, we're going to take our time getting there. We plan to spend 2 nights on the road, each way. We use to do it all in 1 day or just staying overnight one night along the way.

It will be nice to see our families. DH's are in Cleveland and mine are in Lebanon, Pa. I can't wait to eat at Pete's Pizza, Hoss's (the one near Hershey Park), Raub's twin kiss, and all our other favorites. Before we moved to Fl we lived in Ephrata, so we'd like to go back and go to Green Dragon. (It's been nice not having to battle horse and buggies to get out of our street since we've moved here.)

I haven't been to Knoebels in years. We went to Hershey Park last Labor Day Weekend. (The size of Hurricane Frances scared me, so we headed north.) My son visited my parents over Memorial Day weekend this year. He went on the Storm Runner. He loved it.

We love the candy at Hershey! I can't eat chocolate (it makes me really sick), but the rest of the family can. I get the twizzlers. They are so much fresher there than here in Fl.

If you have any other questions about WDW, I'm happy to answer. We live 45 minutes from WDW. We have annual passes and are there at least once a week during the summer.

 

[Steve_S]

Steve_S,

Watch the weather since there is a hurricane near the area. Have a good trip!

Yeah, I've been watching. Dennis should have moved on well before we leave. My concern was if anything was coming through after it, as of now it doesn't appear so. My guess is that the folks the live in FL probably have a better handle on that than I would though. Anyone? Should we be concerned the week we're down there? Honestly, that's my wife's biggest fear, well that and flying. Neither of us has ever been off the ground, so this trip will be a big step for us! LOL

 

[Steve_S]

POR is Port Orleans Riverside. It is one of Disney's moderate resorts. We just love it there. It's our favorite Disney resort. Since we live in Central Florida, we'll just stay at POR most of the time. There is so much to do there. After we check out on Sunday the 24th, we'll head to a park for a few hours. My son loves their waterslide.

We're driving to Ohio and Pa. I don't look forward to the drive. Since we're traveling with a 1 year old, we're going to take our time getting there. We plan to spend 2 nights on the road, each way. We use to do it all in 1 day or just staying overnight one night along the way.

It will be nice to see our families. DH's are in Cleveland and mine are in Lebanon, Pa. I can't wait to eat at Pete's Pizza, Hoss's (the one near Hershey Park), Raub's twin kiss, and all our other favorites. Before we moved to Fl we lived in Ephrata, so we'd like to go back and go to Green Dragon. (It's been nice not having to battle horse and buggies to get out of our street since we've moved here.)

I haven't been to Knoebels in years. We went to Hershey Park last Labor Day Weekend. (The size of Hurricane Frances scared me, so we headed north.) My son visited my parents over Memorial Day weekend this year. He went on the Storm Runner. He loved it.

We love the candy at Hershey! I can't eat chocolate (it makes me really sick), but the rest of the family can. I get the twizzlers. They are so much fresher there than here in Fl.

If you have any other questions about WDW, I'm happy to answer. We live 45 minutes from WDW. We have annual passes and are there at least once a week during the summer.

AH, POR, I get it now! LOL

Since we're staying near Universal, maybe you can tell me if there are grocery stores relatively close. We need to stock for our 2 year old the afternoon we arrive. Our room has a complete kitchen, so we figure to eat lunch there most of the time and explore for dinner. I'm going to check into reservations for dinners. We are trying to stay within a reasonable budget because we're trying to buy a farm up here, so there won't be many fancy dinners out.

I guess a lot of my questions have been answered, and my thanks go out to all of you. The majority of my concern really lies in when to do in the park because I'm sure we're going to be inundated with OOOs, AAAHs, and WOWs.

I bought a fanny pack for inside the park, but now I'm thinking that's going to be too small for what we need.

 

[lovethattink]

I know of a Super Walmart on Sand Lake rd, but I'm sure there is probably a Winn Dixie or Publix closer.

We like the counter service restaurants at Disney. We go all the time, and don't want to spend a fortune, since we're not on vacation.

Here's the counter service ones we like at MK:

Pecos Bills, Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe, and Columbia Harbour House. You can check out Debs Allears.net to read the menus. The menus are there for the sitdowns as well.

When you arrive at Mk, check out the times board (just up the street a bit from Casey's Corner.) It will give you an idea of how long the waits are for each attraction. Generally we just head to whichever has the shortest lines.

 

[leighe]

Hey! We're (DH and I) going to be in the world July 14-24 - maybe we'll run into you. I just wanted to say I hope you have a great trip. You've gotten lots of good advice - it sounds like you are going to have tons of fun!